In a significant step to address the persistent issue of homelessness, the Tamil Nadu government has mandated the creation of a dedicated project management committee. This body aims to unify the efforts of multiple agencies working on shelter, rehabilitation, and skill development for Chennai's destitute population.
Multi-Agency Committee to Break Down Silos
The newly ordered committee is designed to foster coordination and prevent different departments from working in isolation. It will be chaired by the Joint Commissioner (Health) of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). Key members will include officials from:
- Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation
- Commissionerate of Social Welfare
- Commissionerate for the Welfare of the Differently Abled
- Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board
- Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation
Academics who have closely studied the homelessness crisis welcomed the move, stating that while rural-urban migration and the housing shortage are primary drivers that cannot be easily stopped, better coordination can yield significant improvements.
The Scale of the Challenge in Chennai
The urgency for a coordinated approach is underscored by recent data. A joint survey conducted this year by the GCC and the Madras School of Social Work (MSSW) revealed that Chennai has 13,529 homeless individuals spread across 2,837 locations.
Currently, the city has 47 shelters operated jointly by the GCC and various NGOs. However, the need far exceeds the available infrastructure. Zone 5, covering the Royapuram area, has been identified as having the highest concentration of homeless people.
GCC Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran highlighted the practical challenges, noting that land is scarce in the Central Business District and Royapuram. He mentioned that setting up night shelters at beaches is a quicker alternative, costing under 1 crore rupees, but the department faces constraints of both land and funds.
Focus on Rehabilitation and Skill Mapping
Beyond immediate shelter, the committee's mandate includes long-term rehabilitation. The Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation is already involved in profiling and mapping homeless persons across 38 different sectors.
Project Director K V Rajkumar stated that, in coordination with the GCC, they plan to analyse the aspirations of the homeless and connect them with appropriate trainers for skill development. This profiling aims to move beyond temporary aid towards sustainable livelihood solutions.
The committee is scheduled to hold its first meeting by January next year, marking the start of a more unified fight against homelessness in the state capital. The success of this initiative will depend on effective collaboration and regular meetings between all stakeholder agencies, as envisioned by the government order.
